MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

There are three basic parts to medical terms: a word root (usually the middle of the word and its central meaning), a prefix (comes at the beginning and usually identifies some subdivision or part of the central meaning), and a suffix (comes at the end and modifies the central meaning as to what or who is interacting with it or what is happening to it). An example may make better sense.

Word Root
therm = heat hypothermia (less heat), thermometer (measuring heat)

Example
MYOCARDITIS

(prefix)

(root)

(suffix)

Myo - muscle

Card heart

itis inflammation

pericarditis

= outer layer of heart inflam ed

endocarditis

= inner layer of heart inflam ed

Suffix change
card iolog ist = a p h ysician sp ecializ in g in th e h eart

card iom yop ath y

= d am ag e to h eart m u scle layer

card iom eg aly

= en larg em en t of th e h eart

Useful Suffixes and prefixes

Frequently used word beginnings (prefixes) and word endings (suffixes) used to make up many medical terms. You don't need to memorize whether an item is a prefix or suffix, or even if it is a word root, just what it means!

-i ti s

= i n fl a m m a ti o n

to n si l l i ti s, a p p en d i ci ti s (yo u k n o w th ese! )

-o si s

= a b n o rm a l co n d i ti o n

cya n o si s (o f b lu en ess, d u e to co l d o r l o w o x yg en )

-ecto m y

= to cu t o u t (rem o ve)

a p p en d ecto m y, to n si l l ecto m y (yo u k n o w th ese to o ! )

.
o to m y = to cu t i n to tra ch eo to m y (to cu t i n to th e w i n d p i p e , te m p o ra ry o p en i n g )

o sto m y

= to m a k e a "m o u th "

co l o sto m y (to m a k e a p erm a n e n t o p en i n g i n co l o n )

a /a n

= w i th o u t, n o n e

a n em i a (l i tera l l y n o b l o o d b u t m ea n s f ew r ed cel l s)

m i cr o

sm al l

m i cr o s to m i a (a b n o r m a l l y s m a l l m o u th , s e e " to m y" s i n co l o s to m y a b o v e ?)

m a cr o

l arg e

m a cr o s to m i a (a b n o r m a l l y l a r g e m o u th )

m eg a / m eg a l y

e n l a rg ed

m e g a co l o n (a b n o r m a l l y l a r g e co l o n = l arg e i n te s ti n e )

s co p y/ s co p i c

to l o o k ,

co l o n o s co p y (l o o k i n to co l o n )

o b serve

Imaging

g r a p h y/ - g ra p h

= reco rd i n g a n im ag e

m a m m o g ra p h y (i m a g i n g th e b rea sts)

- g ra m

= th e i m a g e (X- ra y)

m a m m o g ra m

.
These endings, -graphy, -graph, -gram, relate to recording an image such as an X-ray, CT or MRI scan or a written recording with pen and moving paper. Mammography is the process of recording, i.e. the machine and procedure. Mammogram is the image itself, the X-ray. A recording of heart activity is called an electrocardiogram using an electrocardiograph. A recording of brain activity is an electroencephalogram and the medical procedure and machine is called electroencephalography

Specialties
olog y/ olog ist = stud y, sp ecializ e in card iolog ist, n ep hrolog ist (stud y th e h eart, the k id neys)

 To see a lung specialist, you would visit a pulmonologist. To see a specialist in nerve and brain disease, make an appointment with a neurologist. If you have a bad eye infection, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist. For your rheumatism, You would want to find a physician specializing in rheumatology or rheumatologist

Sto m a to

= m o u th

sto m a ti ti s

D en to

= te eth

d en ti st

Gl o sso /l i n g u o

= to n g u e

g l o ssi ti s, l i n g u a l n erve

Gi n g i vo

= gum s

g i n g i vi ti s

Sto m ato

= m o u th

sto m ati ti s

D en to

= teeth

d en ti st

Gl o sso /l i n g u o

= to n g u e

g l o ssi ti s, l i n g u al n erve

Gi n g i vo

= gum s

g i n g i vi ti s

En cep h al o

= b rai n

en cep h al i ti s

Gastro

= sto m ach

g astri ti s

En tero

= i n testi n e

g astro en teri ti s

Co l o

= l arg e i n testi n e

co l i ti s, m eg aco l o n

Pro cto

= a n u s/rectu m

p ro cti ti s, p ro cto l o g i st

H ep a to

= l i ver

h ep a ti ti s, h ep a to m eg a l y

N ep h ro /ren e

= k i d n ey

n ep h ro si s, ren a l a rtery

O rch i d o

= testi s

o rch i d i ti s, o rch i d ecto m y

.
Oo p h o ro = o va r y o o p h o r ecto m y H ys ter o /m etr o = u ter u s h ys ter ecto m y, e n d o m etr i ti s

Sa l p i n g o

u ter i n e

h ys to s a l p i n g o g r a m

tu b es

D er m o

sk in

d er m a ti ti s

M a sto /m a m m o

= b rea st

m a m m o g ra p h y, m a stecto m y

O steo

= b o n es

o steo p o ro si s

Ca rd i o

= h ea rt

el ectro ca rd i o g ra m (ECG)

Cysto

= b l a d d er

cysti ti s

.
Rh i n o = n o se r h i n i ti s (r u n n y n o se! ) Ph l eb o /v en o = v ei n s p h l eb i ti s , p h l eb o to m y

Pn eu m o /p u l m o

lu n g

p n e u m o n i ti s , p u l m o n o l o g i st

H e m o /em i a

b lo o d

h em a to l o g i s t, a n em i a

 Some organs have more than one word root. Example: "masto" and "mammo". Typically, one is derived from the Greek and one from Latin. The word ending "-itis" means inflammation, An infected cut is an inflammation. "Pink eye" is an inflammation. Four things must be present to define inflammation: pain, redness, heat and swelling (dolor, rubor, calor and tumor in Latin!). Inflammation of an internal organ such as the stomach or kidney must be defined by a physician relying on signs and symptoms, and, possibly, the need for a biopsy (tissue sample) to examine under a microscope by a specialist in identifying the causes of diseased tissues, a pathologist.

Quiz
If I haven't been brushing my teeth often enough, I may end up with bleeding from my gums, a condition called Hepatitis Colitis Gingivitis Stomatitis proctitis

. A patient has had a diagnosis of colon cancer and will need surgical removal of the colon. She will end up with a permanent hole in her abdomen for drainage into a bag. The permanent opening is called a Megacolon Colitis Colonoscopy Colostomy colectomy

. You have been having chronic pains in your upper abdomen, and your family physician refers you to a specialist in diseases of the digestive tract called a Cardiologist Pulmonologist Neurologist Gastroenterologist proctologist

. diagnosed as You have just been

having an enlarged liver. The doctor describes it as Megacolon Hepatomegaly Macrostomia Hepatitis gastroenteritis

. You have taken your friend to the emergency room with severe lower back pain and blood in his urine. After examination and lab tests, the physician reports that your friend has an inflammation of his kidneys and makes a diagnosis of Hepatitis Cystitis Proctitis Nephritis orchiditis

 Your friend who is . long distance a runner is told by his physician that he has an enlarged heart, but that this can be a normal finding in well conditioned athletes. The doctor writes on his chart that your friend has Hepatomegaly Cardiomegaly Megacolon Macrostomia myocarditis

. her uterus Your mother is having

surgically removed along with her ovaries. Removal of ovaries is called Hysterectomy Orchidectomy Appendectomy Oophorectomy gastrectomy

 A patient has become sterile due to chronic inflammation of her uterine tubes from frequent infection with sexually transmitted diseases. This tubal inflammation is called Endometritis Perimetritis Salpingitis Hepatitis proctitis

. has had a A patient with epilepsy

procedure performed that records brain electrical activity. This procedure is called Electrocardiography Electroencephalography Electromyography Electrogastrography electrophoresis

.a special X-ray A female patient has

procedure of the breasts performed. The X-ray image is called a Mammoplasty Mammoplasia Mammography Mastectomy Mammogram

Technicolor Terminology
Le u k /o = w h i te l e u k e m i a (o v e r a b u n d a n ce o f w h i te b l o o d ce l l s )

m e l a n /o

= b l a ck

m e l a n o m a (b l a ck tu m o r o f th e s k i n )

cy a n /o

b lu e

cy a n o s i s (b l u e n e s s m a y b e d u e to co l d o r n o t e n o u g h o x yg en i n b l o o d )

x a n th /o

= yel l o w

x a n th o m a (ye l l o w tu m o r )

Tumours
Ad en /o = g la n d ad en o m a

Lip /o

= fat

lip o m a

M y/o

= m u scle

m yo m a

.
M y/o = m u s cl e m yo m a

Lym p h /o

l ym p h ti s s u e

l ym p h o m a

Ca r ci n /o

m alig n an t

ca r ci n o m a

O s teo /o

bone

o s teo m a

Directions
En d o = w i th i n , e n d o sco p y (to i n sp ect th e i n si d e o f a n o r g a n o r sp a ce w i th a l i g h ted i n str u m en t) i n si d e o f

Per i

aro u n d

p er i a n a l (a r o u n d th e a n u s)

Ci r cu m

aro u n d

ci r cu m ci se (cu t a r o u n d )

Retr o

b eh i n d

r etr o ster n a l (b eh i n d th e b r ea stb o n e)

Ep i

upon,

ep i d er m i s (th e to p o r o u ter m o s t l a y er o f s k i n )

o n to p

Tr a n s

th r o u g h

tr a n s u r eth r a l (th r o u g h th e u r i n a r y ex i t d u ct)

In tr a

w i th i n

i n tr a v en o u s (i n s i d e th e v ei n s , e . g . IV fl u i d s )

Su b

b el o w

s u b cl a vi a n (b el o w th e cl a vi cl e = co l l a r b o n e)

Review
The word parts that make up medical terminology are prefixes, suffixes and word roots. The most typical sequence is prefix, word root, suffix with the word root being central but this is not always the case. Sometimes a slash and a vowel are added, example, melan/o. These are called combining forms which make it easier to attach to other word parts, making them easier to pronounce. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Circulatory System
C a r d i /o = h ea rt En d o ca r d i ti s , m y o ca r d i ti s , p e r i ca r d i ti s (i n f l a m m a ti o n o f th e l i n i n g , t h e m u s cl e l a y e r , th e o u t e r l a y e r o f th e h e a r t)

Br a d y /ta ch y

= s l o w /f a s t

Br a d y ca r d i a (r a t e < 6 0 ) ta ch y ca r d i a (r a te > 1 0 0 )

A n g i /o

vessel

An g i o g ra p h y, an g io g ra m a r te r y ) ( X- r a y o f

Ve n o /p h l e b o

= vei n

Ve n o g r a m

(X- r a y o f

v e i n s ), p h l e b i ti s (i n f l a m m a ti o n o f v e i n s )

- s ta s i s

to

H e m o s ta s i s (to s to p b l e e d i n g ), h e m o s ta t (a cl a m p - l i k e i n s tr u m e n t)

s to p

- cyte

ce l l

Er yth r o cyte s , l e u co cyte s (r e d , w h i te b l o o d ce l l s )

H e m /o , em ia

= b lo o d

H yp o x e m i a (l o w o x y g e n ), h e m a to s a l p i n x (b l o o d i n th e u te r i n e tu b e s )

Diseases of Circulatory System

Atherosclerosis- Literally, "hardening of the fatty stuff." High fat diets can lead to formation of fatty plaques lining blood vessels. These fatty areas can become calcified and hard leading to arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. When blood vessels become less stretchable, blood pressure rises and can result in heart and kidney damage and strokes. Myocardial infarction (MI)- Myocardial relate to heart muscle. An infarction is blockage of blood flow resulting in death of muscle tissue. Layman's language for this is a "heart attack." The blockage occurs in one of the arteries of the heart muscle itself, a coronary artery. Depending upon how much tissue dies, a victim of an MI may survive and undergo cardiac rehabilitation, strengthening the remaining heart muscle, or may die if too much muscle tissue is destroyed.

Mitral prolapse, stenosis, regurgitation Blood flows through four chambers in the heart separated by one-way valves. A major valve is the one separating the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. The left side is especially important because freshly oxygenated blood returning from the lungs is circulated out of the heart to the rest of the body. The left valve, called atrioventricular, falso called the mitral valve If the flaps of this valve tear away due to disease, the process is called prolapse, "a falling forward." This results in leakage and backward flow called "regurgitation Stenosis: Abnormally narrow valve causing partial obstruction constricting flow.

 Angina pectoris- Literally, "pain in the chest." a special kind of pain associated with the heart and is distinctive as "crushing, vise-like", often accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea. Anginal pain indicates not enough blood is getting to the heart muscle, and the heart is suffering Nitroglycerine tablets relieve the pain by increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. Arrhythmia/dysrhythmia- Abnormal heart rates and rhythms Special names like ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, but generically are termed arrhythmias or dysrhythmia, meaning "no rhythm" and "abnormal rhythm." Fine distinctions exist, but they are often used interchangeably.

 Ischemia- Sometimes . heart muscle is not the getting enough blood flow, ie, the oxygen the blood carries is insufficient to sustain muscle which has a very high metabolic rate, and oxygen demand. The term loosely means "not quite enough blood." Typically, the patient suffers angina pain Cardiologist - a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the circulatory system, especially, the heart. However, after diagnosis, he/she may refer to a cardiovascular surgeon. A cardiologist does not do surgery. Hematologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the blood.

 Electrocardiogram .(ECG/EKG) - a printout recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Echocardiography - using ultra high frequency sound waves (beyond human hearing), to form an image of the inside of the heart. This procedure can demonstrate valve damage, congenital (before birth) defects and other abnormalities.

 Cardiac catheterization - a long hollow tube, a catheter, can be threaded into an artery up into the heart. Then material opaque to X-rays can be released into the blood flow through the heart imaging the details of coronary arteries. Typically used to identify a blockage and location in the coronary circulation. Phlebotomist/venipuncturist - the specially trained nurse or technician draws blood for lab tests and may also start IV's (intravenous fluids). The Greek and Latin versions of "cutting into a vein."

Quiz
Pericarditis is a term describing inflammation of a) the inside lining of heart chambers b) the tough sac surrounding the heart c) the muscular layer of the heart d) a coronary artery e) a heart valve

a) b) c) d) e)

. A physician who specializes in diagnosis of diseases of the heart is a called a Hematologist Serologist Pathologist Cardiologist cardiovascular surgeon

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart is termed a) Echocardiogram b) cardiac scan c) Electrocardiogram d) cardiac catheterization e) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 a) b) c) d) e)

Bradycardia is a term describing an abnormally fast heart rate inflammation of heart muscle enlarged heart abnormally slow heart rate abnormally small heart

 a) b) c) d) e)

Which of the following cells gives the red color to the blood? Leucocytes Erythrocytes Melanocytes Cenocytes phagocytes

. Inflammation of veins is termed

a) b) c) d) e) Lymphangitis Hemangioma Phlebitis Arteritis angina

.
a) b) c) d) e) Permanent damage to heart muscle due to a blocked artery is termed angina pectoris myocardial infarct Cardiomyopathy Cardiomegaly myocarditis

.
The medical technician who draws blood from a vein for laboratory tests is called a Cardiologist Hematologist Phlebotomist Radiologist serologist

a) b) c) d) e)

a) b) c) d) e)

A physician determines that the heart murmur (abnormal heart sound) in a patient is caused by narrowing of a heart valve passageway. The term for this condition is Ischemia Prolapse Regurgitation Stenosis angina

.
A hemangioma means a) blood found in spinal cord fluid b) blood found between the heart and the pericardial sac c) a tumor of heart muscle d) a tumor of blood vessels e) blood found between the skull and the brain

Nervous System
Ce p h a l /o H ead Ce p h a l g i a (a h e a d a ch e )

En ce p h a l /o

In s i d e t h e h e a d (b r a i n )

En ce p h a l i ti s (i n f l a m m a ti o n o f th e b r a i n ) A n e n ce p h a l i c (b o r n w i th o u t a b rain )

M e n i n g /o

M em b ra n es su rro u n d in g th e b r a i n a n d s p i n a l co r d

M e n i n g i ti s (i n f l a m m a ti o n o f th e m e m b r a n e s )

.
M yel /o Sp i n al co rd M yel o g r am (X- ray o f th e sp i n al co rd )

N eu r/o

N erve

N eu ro m a (tu m o r) N eu ri ti s (i n fl am m ati o n )

D ys

D i ffi cu l t, p ai n fu l , ab n o rm al

D ysl ex i a (d i ffi cu l ty read i n g )

- ce l e

H er n i a , ab n o rm al p r o tr u s i o n o f s tr u ctu r e o u t o f n o rm al a n a to m i ca l p o s i ti o n

M e n i n g o m y e l o ce l e (p r o tr u s i o n o f m em b ra n es a n d s p i n a l co r d )

p a th y

D i sea se, a b n o r m a l i ty

En ce p h a l o p a th y (d i s e a s e o f th e b r a i n ) N e u r o p a th y (d i s e a s e o f th e n e r ve s )

p l a si a

D e v e l o p m e n t, f o r m a ti o n , g r o w th

A p l a s i a (n o d e v e l o p m e n t) H yp e r p l a s i a (o ve r d e v e l o p m e n t)

p leg ia

Pa r a l ys i s

H em i p l eg i a (p a r a l ys i s o f o n e s i d e o f th e b o d y) Q u a d ri p l eg i a

Multiple Sclerosis
Literally, "many hardenings," MS is a disease of unknown cause that manifests as multiple hard plaques of degeneration of the insulating layer of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The loss of insulation allows "short circuiting" of nerve impulses. Depending upon where the degeneration occurs, patients may suffer paralysis, sensory disturbances or blindness.

Cerebrovascular accident
the fancy name for a "stroke". A blood vessel in the brain may burst causing internal bleeding. Or, a clot may arise in a brain blood vessel (a thrombus), or arise elsewhere (embolus) and travel to get stuck in a brain vessel which then deprives brain tissue of oxygen. Depending upon the area of the brain involved, the patient may suffer paralysis, loss of speech or loss of vision.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

-"Ischemia" literally means "not quite enough blood". A short period of insufficient blood supply to the brain can have the same signs and symptoms as a stroke such as weakness in an arm, a partial loss of vision, but the problem lasts less than 24 hours. People who get TIA's are at increased risk of having a stroke in the future.

Epilepsy
-a Greek word for "seizure." Convulsions is another term used. Seizures may have many causes and not all seizures are epilepsy. High fevers in young children may trigger seizures which are short in duration, easily controlled and, typically, have no permanent aftereffects. Epilepsy is a specific condition which may occur at any age, seizures are more intense, longer lasting in duration, and recur with some frequency. The condition may be controlled with medication, or if unresponsive to drugs, may require surgery.

Aphasia
Loss of speech. The speech centers are located on the left side of the brain in a majority of people. If someone suffers a "stroke" (cerebrovascular accident-CVA), or traumatic brain injury, and it involves the left side of the brain, they may suffer speech impediments vary over a spectrum of problems from difficulty in finding the right word, speaking slowly and with difficulty, or complete loss of speech.

 There are 2 speech centers. Injury described above involves the motor speech area, the area of the brain that produces language by integrating thoughts of speech with the movements of the larynx, lips and tongue. The receptive or sensory area enables us to understand speech. Injury to the latter results in still fluent speech, but the individual does not understand what they are hearing.

Neurologist
a physician specializing in diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. He/she may refer a patient to a neurosurgeon. Neurologists do not perform surgery.

Lumbar (spinal) puncture or tap (LP)

Introducing a needle between the lower bony vertebrae of our spinal column allows a physician to sample the fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Lab tests on the fluid are used for diagnostic purposes such as presence of bacteria in meningitis, special proteins in multiple sclerosis, or blood cells.

Brain scan
- introducing a radioactive element into the blood can image possible tumors in the brain. The radioactive dose is very low and detectable only with special, very sensitive instruments that are much more sophisticated than the old Geiger counters.

Electroencephalography (EEG)
An image (in this case a written recording) of the brain's electrical activity. EEGs are used to diagnose different types of seizure disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumors, and are used in sleep research to identify stages of sleep.

Computed tomography (CT)

a specialized X-ray machine that takes multiple images of a body area from different angles and has a computer that integrates the multiple images into "slices" of the body. The resolution is much better than standard X-rays, lower X-ray doses are used, and there is better differentiation of types of tissue (bone, air, solid organ).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Although the image produces the "slices" through the body seen by CT (see above), no Xrays are involved. The patient's body is placed in a strong magnetic field. Radio pulses affect the resonance or "spin" of atoms in the tissues. A computer analyzes this information to show subtle differences in tissue molecular structure producing very high resolution and better differentiation of soft tissue, such as a tumor within the liver.

Quiz
1. Meningitis refers to a) inflammation of the brain b) inflammation of the membranes around the brain c) inflammation of the spinal cord d) a sensation of itchiness of the scalp e) an inflammation unique to males

2. Neuropathy is a term describing a) a specialist in diseases of the nervous system b) inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain c) a noninflammatory disease of nerves d) absence of a brain at birth e) a herniation of the brain outside the skull

3. A meningomyelocele describes a) herniation of the brain out of the skull b) herniation of protective membranes surrounding the brain c) herniation of both protective membranes and spinal cord d) inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain e) a hole in the protective membranes surrounding the brain

4. Aphasia is a term defining difficulty or loss of ability to a) Read b) Write c) See d) Hear e) speak

5. Which of the following procedures involves injecting a radioactive element into a patient's vein that may mark the presence of a tumor? a) A brain scan b) Computed tomography c) Electroencephalography d) Magnetic resonance imaging e) Angiography

6. A baby is born without a brain. The diagnosis would be a) Encephalitis b) Myelodysplasia c) Meningocele d) Anencephalic e) meningomyelocele

7. A patient may have a brain tumor, and the physician decides to use a procedure that will give the highest resolution of imaging soft tissues. He gives orders for a) a brain scan b) computed tomography c) Electroencephalography d) magnetic resonance imaging e) lumbar puncture

8. A tumor of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord is called a/an a) Neuroma b) Encephalocele c) Myeloma d) Meningioma e) meningocele

9. A patient suddenly has difficulty speaking and her right arm feels stiff and weak. After four hours, she has complete return of normal speech and movement. This patient most likely suffered a/an a) Stroke b) transient ischemic attack c) narcoleptic episode d) epileptic seizure e) myocardial infarction

10. Abnormal or lack of development of part of the spinal cord is termed a) Anencephalic b) Encephalitis c) Meningocele d) Myelodysplasia e) encephalopath

      
f fl a l l all cy cy la a a i (i i i c , )

 
a i


f ), a i i

i i

Ga

Digestive System

ac

Li v

Ga l l ,

il

(i c

Ga

, Ga

fl a

a (

y y f)

f,

va l

Cyst/o

Bl a d d er , sa c

(see a b o ve)

Em es/o

Vo m i t

Em esi s (vo m i ti n g ), em eti c (sti m u l a ti n g vo m i ti n g ), a n ti em eti c (sto p p i n g vo m i ti n g )

Li th /o

Sto n e

Ch o l el i th o to m y (r em o va l o f g a l l sto n es)

La p a r /o

Ab d o m i n a l w all

La p a r o to m y (cu tti n g i n to th e a b d o m en )

ce n te s i s

To p u n ctu r e

A b d o m i n o ce n te s i s (p u n ctu r i n g a n d d rain in g )

- tr i p s y

To cr u s h

Ch o l e l i th o tr i p s y (s m a s h i n g g a l l s to n e s w i th s o u n d w a ve s )

- rrh ea

Fl o w , d i s ch a r g e

D i a rrh ea

- i a si s (- o s i s )

Ab n o rm al co n d i ti o n

Ch o l e l i th i a s i s (p r e s e n ce o f g a l l s to n e s ca u s i n g s ym p to m s )

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Severe "heartburn" Weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow stomach acid to reflux (regurgitate, backup) into the esophagus and irritate and inflame the lining Resulting in chest pain which can mimic that of angina (pain of cardiac ischemia or Myocardial infarction).

Jaundice
Means "yellow" in French. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues. May result from blockage of the ducts draining bile from the liver into the intestines or excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Hemoglobin from destroyed RBCs is broken down, and in part, ends up in bile secretions.

Diverticulosis/diverticulitis
Small pouches may form along the walls of the large intestine called diverticuli if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient, is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, diverticulitis.

Cirrhosis
Literally, "orange-yellow" in Greek. A degenerative disease of the liver that often develops in chronic alcoholics, but can have other causes. The name refers to the gross appearance of the organ.

Portal Hypertension
A potential complication of chronic alcoholism Results in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising BP in the veins between the gastrointestinal tract and liver causes engorgement of veins around the umbilicus (navel). The characteristic radiating pattern of veins is called a "caput medusae" (head of Medusa). Medusa was the "snake-haired lady" in Greek mythology.

Oesophageal varices
Bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of chronic alcoholism. The thin-walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.

Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD, esophageal tumor or other causes

Crohns Disease
a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel. Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may also be rectal bleeding that can lead to anemia. Special X-rays and tests are needed to differentiate Crohn's from other diseases with similar symptoms

Peritonitis
Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Indications of peritonitis are called "peritoneal signs": tender abdomen, rebound pain (pain when manual pressure released from examining abdomen), board-like rigidity of abdominal muscles, no bowel sounds (gurgles). Peritoneal membrane is sensitive to exposure to foreign substances. Contact with blood, bile, urine, pus will cause peritoneal signs.

. Gastroenterologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive system including esophagus, stomach and intestines. These specialists do not do surgery. Patients needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon. Proctologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus. Proctology is a surgical subspecialty. Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult) - a special chemical test to identify blood in the stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and hemorrhoids.

. Upper GI series - a series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small intestines having the patient swallow a "milkshake" of barium. The element barium is opaque, i.e. blocks , X-rays. This procedure may be used to identify problems with swallowing, stomach ulcers, twisting of the small intestines. Lower GI series - a series of X-rays using a barium enema to show the large intestine and rectum. This procedure can be used to identify problems such as diverticulitis/diverticulosis, and tumors.

.a flexible fiberoptic Endoscopy - use of

instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel. Special names may be used for each area explored such as colonoscopy. Ultrasonography (ultrasound) - a procedure using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily used to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the pregnant uterus.

.
1) An emetic drug would have which of the following actions? a) Stop bleeding b) Induce vomiting c) Stop vomiting d) Stop diarrhea e) Kill bacteria

2) Introduction of a fiberoptic instrument through the abdominal wall for diagnostic purposes is called a) Sigmoidoscopy b) Colonoscopy c) Laparoscopy d) Endoscopy e) colposcopy

3) Surgical removal of an inflamed gallbladder containing stones is termed a) Cholelithiasis b) Cholelithotomy c) Cholelithotripsy d) Cholecystectomy e) cholecystitis

4) Cirrhosis is a condition involving a) abnormal outpocketing of the large b) Intestine c) inflammation of the small intestine constriction of the esophagus with a tumor d) difficulty swallowing e) degeneration of the liver

. 5) The guaiac test is used to determine

a) b) c) d) e) presence of Gallstones blood in the stool twisting of the small intestine Appendicitis blood in vomit

. report that a 6. You read in a medical

patient had a proctoscopic examination. You conclude that the physician will be looking for, among other possibilities, a tumor in the Mouth Colon Rectum Stomach gallbladder

a) b) c) d) e)

7) Dysphagia is a term describing difficult, painful or abnormal a) passing of stool b) emptying of the stomach c) Swallowing d) passing gas (flatulence) e) chewing of food

8. A patient from a car accident has a swollen belly and the surgeon suspects bleeding into the abdomen. He/she will puncture the belly and drain any fluid looking for blood. This procedure is termed a) Laparotomy b) Endoscopy c) Thoracocentesis d) Abdominocentesis e) colectomy

. 9) If I have GERD, I have a) gallbladder disease b) stomach ulcers c) blood in my stool d) alcoholic liver disease e) severe 'heartburn'

. describes a 10) Cholangioenterostomy

a) b) c) d) e) procedure that examines the interior of the gallbladder with a lighted fiberoptic instrument. surgically creates an opening between the intestines and the abdominal wall. surgically creates a passageway between the gallbladder duct to the intestine. Involves X-rays showing the gallbladder draining into the intestine. surgically removes gallstones through an opening in the abdomen.

.Respiratory system
Rh i n /o N o se Rh i n i ti s , an d r h i n o r r h ea of (i n f l a m m a ti o n " u n n y" n o s e) r

La r y n g /o

La r y n x , box " *

" o i ce v

La r y n g o to m y , La r y n g e cto m y (cu tti n g i n to , s u r g i ca l l y r e m o v i n g th e l a r y n x )

T r a ch e /o

T r a ch e a , " w i n d p i p e"

T r a ch e o to m y , tr a ch e o s to m y (te m p o r a r y a n d p er m a n e n t o p en i n g s)

Br o n ch /o

Lu n g

air

Br o n ch o s co p y (l o o k i n g b r o n ch i ) i n to th e

p a s s a g ew a ys

Pn e /u , p n ea

Br ea th , a i r , lu n g

Ta ch yp n ea , d ysp n ea , a p n ea (a ccel er a ted , d i f f i cu l t/p a i n f u l , cessa ti o n o f b r ea th i n g )

Pu l m o /o

Lu n g

Pu l m o n a r y a r ter y

- p tysi s

Sp i tti n g (co u g h i n g )

H em o p tysi s (sp i tti n g o r co u g h i n g u p b l o o d f r o m l u n g s)

- p l a sty

Reco n str u cti o n

Rh i n o p l a sty (su r g i ca l r eco n str u cti o n o f n o se)

Adams Apple
The bulge in the front of the neck This structure, termed the laryngeal prominence, is a cartilage in the 'voice box' or larynx. Testosterone, the male hormone, enlarges the larynx in males which also lengthens the vocal cords lowering the voice at puberty. Folklore has it that the "forbidden fruit" offered by Eve got stuck in Adam's throat. The fruit is not identified in Genesis. However, in art it is traditionally portrayed as an apple. Why? The forbidden fruit was from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The Latin word for evil, malum, also means apple. The Latin root is found in such words as malady and malignant.

Pneumoconiosis - literally, "an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs." A generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and cause symptoms and disability such a "black lung" or "miner's lung" disease. Terms specific to the particulate matter may be given such as asbestosis. Epistaxis - nosebleed

Cystic Fibrosis
an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick and sluggish and result in increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They also take multiple enzyme pills because of digestive abnormalities related to abnormal mucous production.

. Emphysema (COPD) - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of long term smokers. Atelectasis - a collapsed lung. Literally, "an imperfect expansion" in Greek.

. Pulmonologist - a physician specializing

in diseases of the lungs. Patients needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon. Respiratory Therapist - a specially trained technician who administers, among other treatments, inhalation therapy to patients with lung disease. Pulmonary angiography - special X-rays of the vessels of the lungs. Laryngoscopy - visual examination of the larynx.

. Endotracheal intubation - passing a

special air-tube into the trachea so oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or whenever general anesthesia is administered among other situations where the patient's airway must be secured.

 QUIZ

. 1) Surgical reconstruction or cosmetic

a) b) c) d) e) alteration of the nose is termed Rhinectomy Rhinoplasty Rhinopexy Rhinotomy rhinoscopy

2) A faster than normal respiratory rate of breathing is termed a) Dyspnea b) Apnea c) Tachypnea d) Pleurisy e) pneumoconiosis

. 3) Hemoptysis is a term describing a) a bloody nose b) bleeding from the gums c) blood in the chest cavity d) a clot in a pulmonary artery e) coughing up blood from the lungs

. 4) A patient with a foreign body trapped

in a lung passageway would be a candidate for which of the following procedures? Laryngoscopy Tracheostomy Bronchoscopy Laryngectomy Pulmonectomy

a) b) c) d) e)

. 5) Patients with pneumonia often find it

a) b) c) d) e) difficult or painful to take deep breaths. The term for this is Tachypnea Dyspnea Apnea Atelectasis emphysema

. to examine the 6) A special procedure

a) b) c) d) e) blood vessels of the lungs by X-ray is called a lung scan Thoracocentesis Bronchoscopy endotracheal intubation pulmonary angiograph

.a procedure 7) A tracheostomy is
a) b) c) d) e) involving visual examination of the interior of the trachea a temporary opening cut into the trachea a permanent opening cut into the trachea visual examination of the lung passageways surgical reconstruction of a crushed trachea

. for 8) Epistaxis is the term

a) b) c) d) e) a collapsed lung a nosebleed uncontrollable sneezing coughing up blood from the lungs 'miner's lung' disease

Urinary System
N ep h r /o , r en /o K i d n ey N ep h r i ti s , r en a l a r ter y

H yd r o /o

W a ter

H yd r o n ep h r o s i s (a b n o r m a l co n d i ti o n i n vo l vi n g b a ck u p o f u r i n e i n to th e k i d n e y

Cys t/o

Bl a d d er

Cys ti ti s , cys tecto m y (i n f l a m m a ti o n o f , r e m o va l o f b l a d d er )

Pyel /o

Ren a l co l l ect n g

Ur /o , u ria

Ur i n e

O l i g /o

Sca n ty, l es s

- p ex y

To s u r g i ca l l y r ea tta ch , f i x i n n o rm al p o s i ti o n

an n o rm al

d u ct

Po l yu r i a , a n u r i a (f r eq u en t u r i n a ti o n , n o u r i n e f o r m a ti o n )

O l i g u r i a (r ed u ced u r i n e f o r m a ti o n )

N ep h r o p ex y (s u r g i ca l l y a tta ch k i d n ey i n n o r m a l a n a to m i ca l p o s i ti o n )



Pyel o g r a m t

(X- r a y o f

e co l l ect n g d u ct

. Nephrosis - a noninflammatory disease of

kidneys. Nephrolith - a kidney stone. Urethritis - inflammation of the urethra, the final pathway for urine in both sexes, and the common pathway for urine and semen in the male. Nocturia - frequently getting up and urinating during the night. Enuresis - involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to "bedwetting."

 Nephrologist - a physician specializing in . kidney diseases. Urologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the lower urinary tract, that is, the bladder and problems of the male reproductive system, sort of the male equivalent of a gynecologist. Cystoscopy - looking into the urinary bladder with a fiberoptic instrument. Intravenous pyelogram - special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the kidneys. A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the blood and dye to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system of the kidney, ureter and bladder.

. Retrograde pyelogram - A dye opaque to X-rays is flushed backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys. Voiding/Micturating cystourethrogram an imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating!

 Dialysis - a procedure . cleansing the blood of for waste products in individuals with complete kidney failure or who have had kidneys removed by surgery. With the in-hospital procedure, the patient's blood is circulated through a machine that removes waste products. The blood is recirculated back into the patient. Lithotripsy - Crushing kidney stones with sound waves. Unlike cholelithotripsy (crushing of gallstones), which is no longer done, the sludge from crushing kidney stones has an easy direct pathway out of the body (down the ureter to the bladder and out the urethra). Nephrolithotripsy is an elective procedure that may spare a patient surgery.

1 Frequently after surgery involving general anesthetic, a patient may not void urine for a period of time, because the kidneys have stopped producing urine. This usually temporary condition is termed a) Polyuria b) Oliguria c) Anuria d) Nocturia e) enuresis

. 2. Presence of a kidney "stone" is termed a) Nephrosis b) Hydronephrosis c) Nephritis d) Nephrolithiasis e) pyelonephrosis

3. A specialist in diseases of the lower urinary tract, bladder and urethra, is called a a) Nephrologist b) Urologist c) Proctologist d) Blepharologist e) serologist

4. Nephrolithotomy is the term for a) removing a kidney b) removing a kidney stone c) crushing kidney stones with sound waves d) removing a tumor from a kidney e) transplanting a replacement kidney

5. The term for scanty or less than normal urine formation is a) Anuria b) Enuresis c) Oliguria d) Polyuria e) nocturia

. 6. A procedure that allows a physician to

a) b) c) d) e) look into the bladder and examine its interior is termed a retrograde pyelogram Cystoscopy Cystogram voiding cystourethrogram intravenous pyelogram

7. Surgical fixation or return and attachment of a kidney dislodged during an auto accident would be termed a) Nephrotomy b) Nephrolithotomy c) Nephrolithotripsy d) Nephropexy e) nephrectomy

8. A lab report comes back to a physician documenting numerous erythrocytes in the urine specimen. The term for this is a) Oliguria b) Polyuria c) Anuria d) Hematuria e) nocturia

Male Reproductive system

O r ch i d /o , te s t/o T e s te s (m a l e g o n ad ) * O r ch i d i ti s , o r ch i d e cto m y, te s ti cu l a r a r te r y, te s to s te r o n e (m a l e s e x h o r m o n e )

Ba l a n /o

H ea d o f th e p en i s

Ba l a n i ti s

A n d r /o

M ale

A n d r o g e n i c (s ti m u l a ti n g m a l e n e s s ), a n d r o g yn o u s (ch a r a cte r i s ti cs o f m a l e a n d f e m a l e a p p e a r a n ce )

Pro sta t/o

Pro sta te

. sta ti ti s, Pro
p ro sta tecto m y

Va s/o

Vessel , d u ct

Va s d eferen s, va secto m y (d u ct ca rryi n g sem en fro m testes, cu tti n g th e d u ct)

- rrh a p h y

To su tu re

H ern i o rrh a p h y (su rg i ca l co rrecti o n o f i n g u i n a l h ern i a )

 Hypospadias - A condition in which the external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather than at the tip. Hydrocele - a fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum. Varicocele - dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of "hemorrhoids" of the scrotum! Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look and feel like a "bag of worms." May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort. This condition may also cause reduced sperm count and male sterility due to sluggish blood flow elevating testicular temperature.

 Cryptorchidism - literally "hidden testicle." A . of one or both testes condition of lack of descent into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) - swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). BPH becomes more common as men age. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - the surgical cure for BPH. An instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to relieve obstruction of the urinary tract.

 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions which can be detected with a lab test. A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests.

Medical jargon
A 55 year old male complains of nocturia, three to four times a night.He also states that he has difficulty getting urination started, has a small stream, and dribbles after he finishes. Sometimes he has feelings of urgency. A review of organ systems reveals that his angina, which he treats with nitroglycerine tablets, is increasing in frequency. A rectal exam reveals prostatic hypertrophy without nodules, most likely BPH. Patient was scheduled for an ECG and coronary angiography.A referral was made to a urologist for evaluation for a TURP. Recent medical history:hemoptysis two months ago. Bronchoscopy was unremarkable. Past medical history:cholelithiasis treated with cholelithotripsy at age 52.Varicocelectomy at age 28. Appendectomy at age 24.

 A 55 year old male complains of having to get up at night to urinate, three to four times a night. He also states that he has difficulty getting urination started, has a small stream, and dribbles after he finishes. Sometimes he has an urgent need to urinate. A review of organ systems reveals that his cardiac related chest pain, which he treats with nitroglycerine tablets, is increasing in frequency. A rectal exam reveals an enlarged prostate without nodules, most likely Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (nonlife-threatening enlargement of the prostate). Patient was scheduled for an electrocardiogram (recording of the electrical activity of the heart) and X-rays of the arteries of the heart. A referral was made to a specialist in diseases of the male reproductive system and lower urinary tract for possible transurethral resection of the prostate (partial internal removal of prostatic tissue).

 Recent medical history: spitting up blood from the lungs two months ago. Passing a fiberoptic instrument into the lung passageways did not determine a cause. Past medical history: gallstones treated with high frequency sound waves smashing stones to small particles that can pass in the stool at age 52. Removal of enlarged testicular veins at age 28. Removal of appendix at age 24.

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H e r m a p h r o d i ti s m

A co n d i ti o n w h e r e b o th o va r i a n a n d te s ti cu l a r ti s s u e a r e fo u n d i n th e s a m e i n d i vi d u a l

H e r m a p h r o d i tu s* - th e o f f s p r i n g o f H erm es a n d A p h r o d i te w h o l o o k ed fe m a l e b u t h ad m ale g e n i ta l i a

Pr i a p i s m

A co n ti n u o u s , p a i n fu l e r e cti o n

Pr i a p u s - th e Ro m a n g o d o f m a l e p o te n cy

Sa tyr i a s i s

A co n d i ti o n of co m p u l s i ve sex u a l d esi re i n m en .

Sa tyr - a w o o d l a n d d e i ty p art m an an d p a r t g o a t. M o s t n o ta b l e f o r ch a s i n g n ym p h s .

1. Surgical repair of hypospadias using . the foreskin of the head of the penis would be termed a) Orchidopexy b) Balanopexy c) Oophoropexy d) Balanoplasty e) colpoplasty

. usually requires 2. Cancer of the testicle

a) b) c) d) e) its surgical removal. This procedure is termed Orchidectomy Orchidoplasty Orchidopexy Orchiocatabasis orchidoptosis

. 3. A hydrocele defines a) blood engorged, enlarged testicular veins b) a hernia in the inguinal region c) a clear fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis d) a urinary tract opening along the under surface of the penis e) a partial obstruction of the urethra at the base of the bladder

4. The surgical procedure performed to . relieve partial obstruction of the male urethra due to an enlarged gland at the base of the bladder is called a a) BPH b) TURP c) IVP d) UTI e) CVA

5. Cryptorchidism refers to . a) congenital absence of a testicle b) an undescended testicle (not in scrotum) c) inflammation of a testicle d) a tumor of the testicle e) presence of a testicle in a female

. 6. A male with testosterone deficiency may most likely be treated with which of the following agents to restore and maintain normal sexual function? a) Carcinogenic b) Iatrogenic c) Estrogenic d) Androgenic e) androgynous

7. Surgical implantation of an . undescended testicle into the scrotum and anchoring it in its correct anatomical position is termed a) Orchidectomy b) Orchidoplasty c) Orchidopexy d) Orchiocatabasis e) orchidoptosis

8. Inflammation of the head of the penis . is termed a) Oophoritis b) Salpingitis c) Orchiditis d) Balanitis e) epididymitis